1. (a) Each operator shall perform the following:

   1. (1) designate a blaster-in-charge for each blast to be detonated in surface coal mining and reclamation operations;
   2. (2) ensure that the designated blaster-in-charge is properly certified;
   3. (3) ensure that each employee who performs blasting tasks under the supervision of a blaster-in-charge has adequate training;

   4. (4) limit the size of a blasting crew to 12 persons, supervised by a blaster-in-charge who is continuously and readily accessible to crew members in preparing and executing a blast. A larger blasting crew may be approved by the secretary if these conditions exist:

      1. (A) unusual circumstances or mining methods are involved; and

      2. (B) the operator ensures that the blaster-in-charge can perform the following:

         1. (i) provide adequate, direct supervision to crew members;
         2. (ii) remain in control of blast design, preparation, and execution; and
         3. (iii) assure that blasting complies with the applicable regulations; and
   5. (5) ensure that each blaster-in-charge shall supervise no more than one crew at any given time.

2. (b) Each blaster-in-charge shall fulfill these requirements:

   1. (1) be certified by the state fire marshal for each blasting operation conducted in the state of Kansas;
   2. (2) ensure that blast design and execution meet the applicable standards;
   3. (3) directly supervise blast preparation and execution at the blast site to ensure that such standards are met;
   4. (4) be present at the site when the blast is detonated;
   5. (5) ensure that each member of each blasting crew has adequate training to perform assigned tasks in compliance with the applicable standards; and
   6. (6) limit to 12 the number of persons being supervised at any given time in preparing and executing a blast at one operational pit at the site.

3. (c) After instructions from the blaster-in-charge and under the direct supervision of the blaster-in-charge, members of the blasting crew may engage in these activities:

   1. (1) perform general blasting operations;
   2. (2) load and unload explosives for use in blasting;
   3. (3) transport explosives at or near the job site;
   4. (4) load explosives into drill holes; and
   5. (5) stem or otherwise prepare explosives for detonation.

4. (d) The blaster-in-charge shall retain full responsibility for all blasting and for the use of explosives. These responsibilities shall include the following:

   1. (1) keeping blasting logs and records;
   2. (2) supervising the blasting-related activities of the workers over which the supervisor is in charge; and
   3. (3) ensuring that each person under the supervisor's charge has the training necessary to perform the person's assigned tasks safely and in accordance with the applicable regulations.

(Authorized by K.S.A. 49-405 and 49-405a; implementing K.S.A. 49-405; effective May 1, 1985; amended Feb. 11, 1991; amended May 2, 1997.)